Welcome to November! This month, we’ll explore our first 5D+ dimension: Professional Collaboration & Communication. Great teaching doesn’t happen in isolation — it grows through collaboration, trust, and communication. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to identify what collaboration looks like at its best, reflect on your own practice, and take action through this month’s challenge.
Next
Explore Each PCC Indicator — Click the Blue Square to Learn More
PCC3 Support of School, District, & State Initiatives
PCC4 Communication within the School Community
PCC5 Ethics & Advocacy
PCC2 Communication with Parents & Guardians
PCC1 Collaboration with Peers & Administrators
Next
Explore Each PCC Indicator — Click the Blue Square to Learn More
PCC1 Collaboration with Peers & Administrators
PCC3 Support of School, District, & State Initiatives
PCC2 Communication with Parents & Guardians
PCC4 Communication within the School Community
PCC5 Ethics & Advocacy
Next
Explore Each PCC Indicator — Click the Blue Square to Learn More
PCC1 Collaboration with Peers & Administrators
PCC3 Support of School, District, & State Initiatives
PCC2 Communication with Parents & Guardians
PCC4 Communication within the School Community
PCC5 Ethics & Advocacy
Next
Explore Each PCC Indicator — Click the Blue Square to Learn More
PCC1 Collaboration with Peers & Administrators
PCC3 Support of School, District, & State Initiatives
PCC2 Communication with Parents & Guardians
PCC4 Communication within the School Community
PCC5 Ethics & Advocacy
Next
Explore Each PCC Indicator — Click the Blue Square to Learn More
PCC1 Collaboration with Peers & Administrators
PCC3 Support of School, District, & State Initiatives
PCC2 Communication with Parents & Guardians
PCC4 Communication within the School Community
PCC5 Ethics & Advocacy
Next
Why Collaboration Matters - The Research
John Hattie’s research identifies Collective Teacher Efficacy (d = 1.57) as the single most powerful factor influencing student achievement. This means that when educators truly believe together they can positively impact students—and act on that belief—learning accelerates. Collaboration isn’t extra—it’s the multiplier of all other practices.
Next
Research Spotlight: The Power of Collaboration
Click on each circle to reveal examples of Collective Efficacy.
Collective Teacher Efficacy (1.57) - the highest known influence on student learning.
Next
You overhear a colleague say, “These students just can’t learn that content.” What’s your next move? Hover on each letter to see a response to each answer.
Stay quiet—it’s not my place.
Ask, “What evidence do we have that they can’t?”
Share a success story or a strategy that’s helped your students.
Next
Collaboration in Action: Opening Doors
Teachers describe how closing classroom doors once symbolized independence—and how schools are now encouraging open collaboration. Stop the video at 0:33 and click the Reflection button.
Click to Reflect
Reflection: Opening Doors
In the video, teachers described the shift from isolation to collaboration.
NEXT
Collaboration in Action: Different Strengths
Karl and Georgia explain how pairing teachers with different strengths and personalities can make collaboration more effective. Stop the video at 1:08 and click the Reflection button.
Click to Reflect
Reflection: Different Strengths
In the video, Karl and Georgia describe how working together was challenging at first— but ultimately improved their teaching.
NEXT
Collaboration in Action: Willingness to Compromise
This segment shows how honest dialogue and flexibility help colleagues overcome differences and work toward shared success. Stop the video at 1:36 and click the Reflection button.
Click to Reflect
Reflection: Willingness to Compromise
In this clip, we see how collaboration sometimes means adjusting your own approach to meet shared goals.
Think about a recent time you compromised with a colleague. What made it successful—or what could have made it easier?
NEXT
Collaboration in Action: Intentional Planning
Teachers share how aligning prep periods and planning time helps them design stronger lessons and support student needs. Stop the video at 2:21 and click the Reflection button.
Click to Reflect
Reflection: Intentional Planning
In this part of the video, the teachers use scheduled collaboration time to look at student data, refine tasks, and build daily routines that connect to larger projects.
How might you use a short weekly meeting or prep period to collaborate more intentionally with a colleague?
NEXT
Collaboration in Action: Collaboration Creates Equality
Karl and Georgia reflect on how sharing what works ensures that every student benefits from great teaching. Stop the video at 3:02 and click the Reflection button.
Click to Reflect
Reflection: Collaboration Creates Equality
Karl and Georgia explain that when teachers share great ideas instead of keeping them to themselves, students across the entire school benefit equally.
What’s one way you can help your team create greater equity through collaboration this year?
NEXT
Takeaways: The Power of “We”
✅ Collaboration turns individual effort into collective impact. ✅ When teachers share ideas and strategies, all students benefit—not just those in one classroom. ✅ Collective efficacy grows when we trust, communicate, and work toward shared goals. ✅ The most effective teams learn with and from one another every day.
Which takeaway will you act on first?
Next
Challenge of the Month: Partner Power
Choose one colleague to collaborate with this month. Together, identify a small action that improves student learning or communication. Reflect afterward: How did this partnership influence student outcomes or your own thinking?
Need Inspiration?
Peers & Teams
Plan a 15-minute team meeting to share one effective strategy.
Review student samples together and identify next instructional steps.
Create a joint mini-lesson that targets a shared learning goal.
Mini Learning Huddle
Co-Analyze Student Work
Co-Design a Lesson or Task
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Share assessment data and discuss adjustments for next week.
Track one improvement area (like student talk or engagement) together.
Compare Data Trends
Set a Shared Goal
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Next
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Families & Communication
Partner with a colleague to organize classroom volunteers and celebrate their help.
Co-write a short update highlighting classroom successes.
Ask families how they prefer updates or what supports help most.
Parent Volunteer Crew
Collaborative Newsletter
Create a Family Survey
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Team up to host a quick family event and note what went well.
Each week, both partners share a positive student message home.
Good-News First Routine
Family Partnership Week
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Next
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
School & Advocacy
Post progress or celebrations on a school “Data Wall.”
Review materials or routines for representation and inclusivity.
Co-present at a staff meeting about a successful strategy.
Share Growth Data
Equity Audit
Present a Bright Spot
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
End the month by sharing how collaboration changed outcomes.
Role-play advocating when a student’s needs are overlooked.
Reflect on Impact
Speak Up for Access
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Next
Collaboration Document: Share What You Tried
Post a short reflection about your “Partner Power” challenge by mid-month. Respond to at least two colleagues by the end of the month.
Click here to collaborate
Click here after you collaborate
Ask & Share: Our Ongoing Question Board
Teaching is complex—no one does it alone. Use this space to ask for advice, describe a challenge, or offer ideas to support a colleague. No topic is off-limits—curriculum, communication, motivation, anything that’s on your mind. Click the ➕ to post or respond to others.
Because one teacher’s question can spark ten new ideas.
Click here to end the session
High Expectations & Results Collective Efficacy turns belief into action.
- Teams set ambitious goals and hold one another accountable.
- Instruction is intentional, explicit, and evidence-based.
- Teachers celebrate gains and share effective practices.
- Growth is viewed as a product of effort, feedback, and persistence.
🌟 When teachers work together toward clear, challenging goals, student learning accelerates.
✅ Collaborates with peers and administrators to design assessments, analyze student data, and strengthen instruction.
Engages in professional dialogue focused on improving teaching and learning for all students. ⚠️ Attends meetings but does not engage, contribute ideas, or follow up on shared decisions.
Collaboration is minimal or compliance-based rather than purposeful and student-centered. 💭 How do you currently collaborate to improve student learning, and what’s one step you could take to make that collaboration more intentional and impactful?
Shared Beliefs & TrustStrong teams believe they can make a difference—together.
- Teachers trust one another’s expertise.
- Conversations focus on what we can control to impact learning.
Collaboration replaces competition.
- Shared goals and vulnerability build the foundation for trust.
💬 When educators believe collectively in their impact, student outcomes rise dramatically.
✅ Models fairness, honesty, and respect in interactions with students, colleagues, and families.
Advocates for equitable access to learning opportunities and supports all students’ academic and social success. ⚠️ Overlooks inequities or avoids addressing barriers to learning; demonstrates inconsistent professionalism or confidentiality. 💭 What does ethical advocacy look like in your daily work? How can you use your voice to promote equity and integrity?
Collaborative Impact & Data Teams use evidence to learn, not to judge.
- Data discussions center on student learning, not teacher blame.
- Colleagues co-analyze formative results and adjust instruction.
- Success is measured by collective growth, not individual classrooms.
- Reflection drives refinement: “What worked? What needs to change?”
📊 Collective Efficacy grows when teachers see proof that their shared actions improve results
✅ Uses multiple tools (email, text, newsletters, conferences) to communicate progress, goals, and celebrations.
Builds trust with families by keeping communication proactive, positive, and student-focused. ⚠️ Contacts families only when problems arise or relies on one-way communication that doesn’t invite dialogue. 💭 How might you make your communication with families more proactive, positive, and inclusive?
✅ Shares student progress and instructional insights with colleagues and administrators to promote collaboration and collective responsibility.
Uses data to celebrate success and identify next steps across classrooms or grade levels. ⚠️ Keeps student progress or classroom practices isolated, missing opportunities for shared problem-solving and continuous improvement. 💭 What’s one way you could make student progress or instructional growth more visible within your school community?
✅ Participates actively in implementing curriculum, policies, and initiatives that promote student learning.
Demonstrates alignment and professionalism by supporting collective goals and helping others understand new expectations. ⚠️ Avoids or resists school or district initiatives, expressing negativity that undermines a culture of growth and collaboration. 💭 How do your actions and words show alignment and support for your school or district’s shared goals?
November 2025 Mentoring
Kimberly Blumke
Created on October 6, 2025
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Transcript
Welcome to November! This month, we’ll explore our first 5D+ dimension: Professional Collaboration & Communication. Great teaching doesn’t happen in isolation — it grows through collaboration, trust, and communication. By the end of this module, you’ll be able to identify what collaboration looks like at its best, reflect on your own practice, and take action through this month’s challenge.
Next
Explore Each PCC Indicator — Click the Blue Square to Learn More
PCC3 Support of School, District, & State Initiatives
PCC4 Communication within the School Community
PCC5 Ethics & Advocacy
PCC2 Communication with Parents & Guardians
PCC1 Collaboration with Peers & Administrators
Next
Explore Each PCC Indicator — Click the Blue Square to Learn More
PCC1 Collaboration with Peers & Administrators
PCC3 Support of School, District, & State Initiatives
PCC2 Communication with Parents & Guardians
PCC4 Communication within the School Community
PCC5 Ethics & Advocacy
Next
Explore Each PCC Indicator — Click the Blue Square to Learn More
PCC1 Collaboration with Peers & Administrators
PCC3 Support of School, District, & State Initiatives
PCC2 Communication with Parents & Guardians
PCC4 Communication within the School Community
PCC5 Ethics & Advocacy
Next
Explore Each PCC Indicator — Click the Blue Square to Learn More
PCC1 Collaboration with Peers & Administrators
PCC3 Support of School, District, & State Initiatives
PCC2 Communication with Parents & Guardians
PCC4 Communication within the School Community
PCC5 Ethics & Advocacy
Next
Explore Each PCC Indicator — Click the Blue Square to Learn More
PCC1 Collaboration with Peers & Administrators
PCC3 Support of School, District, & State Initiatives
PCC2 Communication with Parents & Guardians
PCC4 Communication within the School Community
PCC5 Ethics & Advocacy
Next
Why Collaboration Matters - The Research
John Hattie’s research identifies Collective Teacher Efficacy (d = 1.57) as the single most powerful factor influencing student achievement. This means that when educators truly believe together they can positively impact students—and act on that belief—learning accelerates. Collaboration isn’t extra—it’s the multiplier of all other practices.
Next
Research Spotlight: The Power of Collaboration
Click on each circle to reveal examples of Collective Efficacy.
Collective Teacher Efficacy (1.57) - the highest known influence on student learning.
Next
You overhear a colleague say, “These students just can’t learn that content.” What’s your next move? Hover on each letter to see a response to each answer.
Stay quiet—it’s not my place.
Ask, “What evidence do we have that they can’t?”
Share a success story or a strategy that’s helped your students.
Next
Collaboration in Action: Opening Doors
Teachers describe how closing classroom doors once symbolized independence—and how schools are now encouraging open collaboration. Stop the video at 0:33 and click the Reflection button.
Click to Reflect
Reflection: Opening Doors
In the video, teachers described the shift from isolation to collaboration.
NEXT
Collaboration in Action: Different Strengths
Karl and Georgia explain how pairing teachers with different strengths and personalities can make collaboration more effective. Stop the video at 1:08 and click the Reflection button.
Click to Reflect
Reflection: Different Strengths
In the video, Karl and Georgia describe how working together was challenging at first— but ultimately improved their teaching.
NEXT
Collaboration in Action: Willingness to Compromise
This segment shows how honest dialogue and flexibility help colleagues overcome differences and work toward shared success. Stop the video at 1:36 and click the Reflection button.
Click to Reflect
Reflection: Willingness to Compromise
In this clip, we see how collaboration sometimes means adjusting your own approach to meet shared goals.
Think about a recent time you compromised with a colleague. What made it successful—or what could have made it easier?
NEXT
Collaboration in Action: Intentional Planning
Teachers share how aligning prep periods and planning time helps them design stronger lessons and support student needs. Stop the video at 2:21 and click the Reflection button.
Click to Reflect
Reflection: Intentional Planning
In this part of the video, the teachers use scheduled collaboration time to look at student data, refine tasks, and build daily routines that connect to larger projects.
How might you use a short weekly meeting or prep period to collaborate more intentionally with a colleague?
NEXT
Collaboration in Action: Collaboration Creates Equality
Karl and Georgia reflect on how sharing what works ensures that every student benefits from great teaching. Stop the video at 3:02 and click the Reflection button.
Click to Reflect
Reflection: Collaboration Creates Equality
Karl and Georgia explain that when teachers share great ideas instead of keeping them to themselves, students across the entire school benefit equally.
What’s one way you can help your team create greater equity through collaboration this year?
NEXT
Takeaways: The Power of “We”
✅ Collaboration turns individual effort into collective impact. ✅ When teachers share ideas and strategies, all students benefit—not just those in one classroom. ✅ Collective efficacy grows when we trust, communicate, and work toward shared goals. ✅ The most effective teams learn with and from one another every day.
Which takeaway will you act on first?
Next
Challenge of the Month: Partner Power
Choose one colleague to collaborate with this month. Together, identify a small action that improves student learning or communication. Reflect afterward: How did this partnership influence student outcomes or your own thinking?
Need Inspiration?
Peers & Teams
Plan a 15-minute team meeting to share one effective strategy.
Review student samples together and identify next instructional steps.
Create a joint mini-lesson that targets a shared learning goal.
Mini Learning Huddle
Co-Analyze Student Work
Co-Design a Lesson or Task
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Share assessment data and discuss adjustments for next week.
Track one improvement area (like student talk or engagement) together.
Compare Data Trends
Set a Shared Goal
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Next
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Families & Communication
Partner with a colleague to organize classroom volunteers and celebrate their help.
Co-write a short update highlighting classroom successes.
Ask families how they prefer updates or what supports help most.
Parent Volunteer Crew
Collaborative Newsletter
Create a Family Survey
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Team up to host a quick family event and note what went well.
Each week, both partners share a positive student message home.
Good-News First Routine
Family Partnership Week
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Next
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
School & Advocacy
Post progress or celebrations on a school “Data Wall.”
Review materials or routines for representation and inclusivity.
Co-present at a staff meeting about a successful strategy.
Share Growth Data
Equity Audit
Present a Bright Spot
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
End the month by sharing how collaboration changed outcomes.
Role-play advocating when a student’s needs are overlooked.
Reflect on Impact
Speak Up for Access
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Use this side of the card to provide more information about a topic. Focus on one concept. Make learning and communication more efficient.
Title
Title
Write a brief description here
Write a brief description here
Next
Collaboration Document: Share What You Tried
Post a short reflection about your “Partner Power” challenge by mid-month. Respond to at least two colleagues by the end of the month.
Click here to collaborate
Click here after you collaborate
Ask & Share: Our Ongoing Question Board
Teaching is complex—no one does it alone. Use this space to ask for advice, describe a challenge, or offer ideas to support a colleague. No topic is off-limits—curriculum, communication, motivation, anything that’s on your mind. Click the ➕ to post or respond to others.
Because one teacher’s question can spark ten new ideas.
Click here to end the session
High Expectations & Results Collective Efficacy turns belief into action.
- Teams set ambitious goals and hold one another accountable.
- Instruction is intentional, explicit, and evidence-based.
- Teachers celebrate gains and share effective practices.
- Growth is viewed as a product of effort, feedback, and persistence.
🌟 When teachers work together toward clear, challenging goals, student learning accelerates.✅ Collaborates with peers and administrators to design assessments, analyze student data, and strengthen instruction. Engages in professional dialogue focused on improving teaching and learning for all students. ⚠️ Attends meetings but does not engage, contribute ideas, or follow up on shared decisions. Collaboration is minimal or compliance-based rather than purposeful and student-centered. 💭 How do you currently collaborate to improve student learning, and what’s one step you could take to make that collaboration more intentional and impactful?
Shared Beliefs & TrustStrong teams believe they can make a difference—together.
- Teachers trust one another’s expertise.
- Conversations focus on what we can control to impact learning.
Collaboration replaces competition.
- Shared goals and vulnerability build the foundation for trust.
💬 When educators believe collectively in their impact, student outcomes rise dramatically.✅ Models fairness, honesty, and respect in interactions with students, colleagues, and families. Advocates for equitable access to learning opportunities and supports all students’ academic and social success. ⚠️ Overlooks inequities or avoids addressing barriers to learning; demonstrates inconsistent professionalism or confidentiality. 💭 What does ethical advocacy look like in your daily work? How can you use your voice to promote equity and integrity?
Collaborative Impact & Data Teams use evidence to learn, not to judge.
- Reflection drives refinement: “What worked? What needs to change?”
📊 Collective Efficacy grows when teachers see proof that their shared actions improve results✅ Uses multiple tools (email, text, newsletters, conferences) to communicate progress, goals, and celebrations. Builds trust with families by keeping communication proactive, positive, and student-focused. ⚠️ Contacts families only when problems arise or relies on one-way communication that doesn’t invite dialogue. 💭 How might you make your communication with families more proactive, positive, and inclusive?
✅ Shares student progress and instructional insights with colleagues and administrators to promote collaboration and collective responsibility. Uses data to celebrate success and identify next steps across classrooms or grade levels. ⚠️ Keeps student progress or classroom practices isolated, missing opportunities for shared problem-solving and continuous improvement. 💭 What’s one way you could make student progress or instructional growth more visible within your school community?
✅ Participates actively in implementing curriculum, policies, and initiatives that promote student learning. Demonstrates alignment and professionalism by supporting collective goals and helping others understand new expectations. ⚠️ Avoids or resists school or district initiatives, expressing negativity that undermines a culture of growth and collaboration. 💭 How do your actions and words show alignment and support for your school or district’s shared goals?